Miriam Jones to Sing at St. Bonaventure

Fresh, soulful, touching, fun, and beautiful is how several critics describe the music of international singer/songwriter and recording artist Miriam Jones.

The Olean/Allegany community will have a chance to hear this soulful singer as she performs a benefit concert at the St. Bonaventure University Chapel on Friday, March 26, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The concert is being sponsored by the community service group BonaResponds, the Campus Activities Board, and University Ministries. Admission is by donation, with a suggested contribution of $10, which will be collected at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit BonaResponds’ Haiti relief efforts.

“Miriam heard about our organization through a mutual friend/colleague and wanted to stop by on her U.S. tour,” said James Mahar, associate professor of Finance at St. Bonaventure University and director of BonaResponds. “We have been working on Haiti relief efforts since the earthquake hit in January and are thrilled to have a performer of her caliber joining us to entertain the community and donate her time and talent.”

“Miriam Jones’ acoustic music combines hauntingly memorable melodies with thoughtful, poetic lyrics,” said Chris Stanley, professor of theology and a longtime friend of Ms. Jones’ family. “She is one of those rare musicians who is equally at home playing in an English pub, a concert hall, or a Christian church. Once you hear her, it’s hard to get her tunes out of your head.”

Miriam Jones’ stop at St. Bonaventure is part of a U.S. tour that includes concerts in New York City, San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, and other cities. She is promoting her recent album, “Solitary Songs,” which can be downloaded from her Web site. A native of Canada, Jones moved to Oxford, England a few years ago to write and record. Other albums include her debut “Sign and Semblance” and “Inside Free.”

For more information about BonaResponds, including its International Service Day on March 27, visit the website at www.foodforhaitinow.org. For more information on Miriam Jones, including samples of her music, visit her Web site at miriamjones.bandcamp.com and click on the album covers.